Welcome to the rulebook! This chapter explains *why* the `me-` prefix changes its spelling. The changes are not random; they follow specific rules based on the first letter of the root word to make pronunciation smoother. Mastering this is key to reading and writing formal Malay.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Here are the rules that govern which form of the prefix to use.
| Prefix Form | Used with root words starting with... | Example (Root → Verb) |
|---|---|---|
| me- | l, m, n, ng, ny, r, w, y | lukis → melukis |
| mem- | b, p (melts) | baca → membaca pukul → memukul |
| men- | d, t (melts), c, j, z | dengar → mendengar tulis → menulis |
| meny- | s (melts) | sapu → menyapu |
| meng- | g, h, k (melts), and all vowels (a, e, i, o, u) | guna → mengguna ambil → mengambil ikut → mengikut |
The trickiest part of this topic is a rule known as `Hukum KTSP`. When the `me-` prefix is added to a root word that starts with the letters **K, T, S,** or **P**, that first letter "melts away" or is dropped.
Exception: This melting rule does NOT apply if the root word starts with a consonant cluster (e.g., `tr-`, `pr-`). For example, `proses` (process) becomes `memproses`, and the 'p' is kept.
Test your knowledge of the `me-` sound change rules.
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For each verb, identify the prefix form used (`me-`, `mem-`, etc.) and the root word.
Write the correct `me-` verb form for the following root words.
This skill is your new superpower for using a dictionary (physical or online). Malay dictionaries are organized by the `kata dasar` (root word). If you see the word `mempengaruhi` (to influence) in an article and don't know what it means, you can't look up 'm'. You must first identify the root word, `pengaruh` (influence), to find its meaning. Being able to mentally strip away the affixes is a crucial skill for independent learning and vocabulary building.
Cemerlang! This was one of the most complex but rewarding grammar rules you will learn. You now have the key to unlocking thousands of verbs. In the next chapter, we will look at another very common prefix which is much simpler: Imbuhan Awalan 'ber-' (The 'ber-' Prefix). It has a different function and much simpler spelling rules!